Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has submitted a transfer request, hours after the Premier League club released a statement saying he is not for sale.

The 25-year-old Brazillian had been a transfer target for Barcelona who seek a replacement for Neymar Jr. The Catalans submitted two bids – £70m and £90m – which were rejected by the Reds, who afterwards released a statement warning Barca to keep off their talisman.

The Catalans submitted two bids which were rejected by the Reds, who afterwards released a statement warning Barca to keep off their talisman.

Earlier, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard had said Coutinho would have to start a ‘war’ to leave Anfield for the Nou Camp.

According to UK’s Mirror, Coutinho is angry at Liverpool’s refusal to accept Barcelona’s bid for him.

“Philippe has tried very hard to find an amicable solution to this situation but to no avail,” the newspaper quoted a family member as saying.

“He has tremendous love for the club and its fans.

“But like Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez have pointed out in the past, Liverpool does not let its players leave on amicable terms.”